New union workforce and childcare hub to be built in Tacoma



The Pierce County Central Labor Council is transforming a former school into a workforce and childcare hub for union families in Tacoma.

TACOMA, Wash. — A new workforce and childcare hub is coming to Tacoma.

The Pierce County Central Labor Council, which represents more than 100 labor unions, and its nonprofit arm the Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency, is buying the old Willard Elementary School, most recently Willard Early Learning Center.

The council is transforming it to be used for multiple purposes, including a section of the building being turned into a 24-hour affordable childcare center for union employees. The council said the childcare center will start with serving union employees who are in apprenticeships in the construction and building sectors.

“You can’t have a conversation more than 20 to 25 minutes without somebody talking about childcare being a barrier,” said Nathe Lawver with the Pierce County Central Labor Council. “It’s impossible for our members that are in the building and construction trades to be dispatched to be on the job site at 5:30 a.m. and be able to find childcare for that.”

Federal data shows that childcare in Pierce County can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $21,000 per year.

“It was $1,800 a month, which is pretty much a mortgage payment,” said Amber Glennon, who worked in construction and is a member of the Laborers Local 252 union.

Glennon said she was lucky to have the support of family during her apprenticeship because of the non-traditional hours of some jobs.

“Sometimes you’re doing a paving job where you’re there for 15 hours and you have to be there,” said Glennon. “To have a 24-hour childcare center when I was going through the apprenticeship program would have been a dream come true.”

In addition to the building having affordable childcare, it will also house workforce development and trainings. Unions, community groups, and technical colleges will be able to rent and use space in the building.

“It’s about accessibility for people to be able to get the skills to be able to join the workforce,” said Lawver.

The council was able to secure $5 million from this year’s state capital budget to make this happen.

Glennon said this project will make a lasting impact.

“There are so many men and women that will benefit from this and will be able to get those really good paying jobs and a career, to be able to show their kids like, ‘Look what mommy and daddy are doing, and look what we can do,’ and know that their kids are safe,” she said.

The hub is expected to open by the end of 2027.

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